Aug. 17, 2008

 The Colts love what they’re seeing out of rookie TE Jacob Tamme, whom one team source dubbed a “Dallas Clark clone.” But don’t expect to see Tamme moving around the offensive formations like Clark, at least for now. The team wants him to first master the traditional TE role, which includes blocking and may require him to pack on a few more pounds to his lean frame.

 The Texans’ Earl Cochran is pushing hard for Anthony Weaver’s starting DLE spot. The battle may come down to whether Weaver is able to recapture the form he showed earlier in his career in Baltimore. The Texans like Weaver’s work ethic, but he has struggled with injuries since signing with Houston in 2006.

 One rookie making a positive impression in Texans camp is S Dominique Barber, a sixth-round pick who played well in the preseason opener and appears to be an intriguing prospect at a position of need for Houston.

 Word from Texans camp is that while the club likes what it has seen of rookie RB Steve Slaton, his consistency from play to play must improve.

 The competition for the final spots on the Titans’ WR depth chart will be fierce, and we’re hearing one of two 2007 draft picks — Paul Williams or Chris Davis — is unlikely to survive the final cut. And the status of WR Roydell Williams, a starter last season who has fallen back in the pecking order as he returns from a broken ankle, bears watching, too.

 There continues to be questions in Tennessee as to whether DE Jevon Kearse will be able to handle the rigors of a 16-game season. He has missed more time in training camp than expected, the way we hear it.

 If Jaguars undrafted rookie CB Brian Witherspoon has any shot of making the team, it will come as a return specialist. But the Stillman (Ala.) College blazer with 4.22 40-yard speed may fumble away his chances. Literally. He needs to prove to the coaches he can hold on to the ball if he’s going to make the final roster.

 We hear that there are some in the Jaguars’ organization who have been turned off by new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ brash, sometimes arrogant behavior. The latest incident occurred when he lashed out at a member of the public-relations staff at practice when he believed he saw a camera crew taping his hand signals, an incident for which he apologized afterward.